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Planned Dallas/Fort Worth network. Click to enlarge. |
NRG Energy Inc., has selected AeroVironment, Inc. to expand the privately funded, comprehensive eVgo electric vehicle (EV) charging ecosystem launched first in Houston to EV drivers in the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) market, the fourth-largest metropolitan area by population in the US. The ecosystem is an integrated network of charging products, services and payment plans.
NRG selected AeroVironment to provide home and public charging systems, installation services, energy usage monitoring and payment and subscription solutions in support of the Houston and DFW ecosystems.
In addition to supplying, installing and supporting smart home and public charging stations, AeroVironment will also provide the integrated data collection, communication and analysis systems that will power NRG’s eVgo network. NRG Energy plans to install a total of 70 Freedom Stations in the DFW area by the end of 2012, 35 of which are scheduled for installation by the end of 2011.
Freedom Stations comprise one EVSE-CS and one EV50-PS, a DC fast charging system. The eVgo charging network will give DFW’s EV drivers ready access to charging stations along major freeways, in key shopping and business districts, at popular retailers and in multi-family community and workplace parking areas.
AeroVironment has already begun installing charging stations in Houston and expects to install 25 Freedom stations by the end of summer 2011.
The DFW ecosystem includes:
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Level 2 Home Charging Dock. AeroVironment’s EVSE-RS+ model is a grid-connected residential (single-family or multi-unit) system that recharges EVs or plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) that comply with the J1772 standard, and will turn drivers’ homes into convenient, smart refueling hubs. Grid communication will allow the Home Charging Dock to charge automatically or be pre-programmed by NRG or the driver for optimal power draw so that it charges when energy consumption and energy costs are lowest.
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Level 2 Commercial Charging Station. AeroVironment’s EVSE-CS model is a public level 2 charging dock with tamper-resistant features and secure smart card access, making it suited for municipalities, retailers, shopping malls and wherever cars are parked and available for charging. This charging system is designed to provide a safe, reliable charge for all electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models that comply with the J1772 standard.
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High Power DC Charging Station. AeroVironment’s 480V EV50-PS can recharge an EV in minutes using high-power, DC charging for busy drivers with very little time to spare. This is the first charging station in the United States that is certified for use with EVs that use the CHAdeMO connector and communication protocol standard, (e.g., Nissan LEAF).
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Installation Services. Members of AeroVironment’s growing, exclusive network of local, licensed, trained and certified electrical contractors provide turn-key home installation including facilitating permitting and inspections, as well as customer training and support services to ensure easy and reliable operation and use of the charging network.
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EV Network Services. In addition to residential and public charging systems, AeroVironment also provides data communications solutions that will allow individual subscribers to use any charger on the network and provide analytical tools and billing services for network operators.